Handrails and Guardrails

Handrails or guardrails shall be provided on all open sides of stairs consisting of more than 3 risers and on all open sides of areas that are elevated more than 24 inches above the floor or exterior grade. Handrails and guardrails shall be constructed to prevent the through passage of a sphere with a diameter of 4 inches or larger. Handrails and guardrails shall be designed and constructed to withstand a 200 pound load applied in any direction. Exterior handrails and guardrails shall be constructed of metal, decay resistant, or pressure treated wood, or shall be protected from the weather.

(a) Handrails - Stairs of more than 3 risers shall be provided with at least one handrail for the full length of the stairs.

  • Height - Handrails shall be located at least 30 inches, but no more than 38 inches above the nosing of the treads. Measurements shall be taken from the hard structural surface beneath any finish material to the top of the rail. Variations in uniformity are allowed only when a rail contacts a wall or newel post or where a turnout or volute is provided at the bottom steps.
  • Clearance - The clearance between a handrail and the wall surface shall be at least 1 ½ inches.
  • Winders - Handrails on winder steps shall be placed on the side where the treads are wider.
  • Projection - Handrails and associated trim may project into the required width of stairs and landings a maximum of 4 ½ inches on each side.
  • Size and configuration. Handrails
  • Handrails with a round or truncated round cross sectional gripping surface shall have a maximum whole diameter of 2 inches.
  • Handrails with a rectangle cross sectional gripping surface shall have a maximum perimeter of 6 1/4 inches with a maximum cross sectional dimension of 2 7/8 inches.
  • Handrails with other cross sections shall have a maximum cross sectional dimension of the gripping surface of 2 7/8 inches with a maximum linear gripping surface measurement of 6 1/4 inches and a minimum linear gripping surface of 4 inches.
  • Continuity - Handrails shall be continuous for the entire length of the stairs except in any one of the following cases:
  • A handrail may be discontinuous at an intermediate landing.
  • A handrail may have newel posts.
  • A handrail may terminate at an intermediate wall provided the lower end of the upper rail is returned to the wall or provided with a flared end, the horizontal offset between the two rails is no more than 12 inches measured from the center of the rails, and both the upper and lower rails can be reached from the same tread without taking a step.

(b) Guardrails

  • Application - All openings between floors, and open sides of landings, platforms, balconies or porches that are more than 24 inches above grade or a floor shall be protected with guardrails.
  • Height - Guardrails shall be located at least 36 inches above the floor. Measurement shall be taken from the hard structural surface beneath any finished material to the top of the rail.
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